Homicide Survivors

Approximately 16.4 million people in the United States have been affected by homicide. Five million adults have experienced the murder of an immediate family member; 6.6 million people have experienced the murder of a relative other than a family member, and 4.8 million have experienced the murder of a close friend. These homicide survivors experience a variety of difficulties, some similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The large incidence of homicide in the U.S. warrants an examination of the research on the impact of a murder on a victim's friends and family and the implications for healthcare providers. Homicide survivors experience negative psychological and physical effects that often result in an increase in the usage of primary care services. Provider training should include protocols to screen for, discuss, and make referrals for the family and friends of homicide victims. This article recommends the development of a training program to equip providers with the tools to recognize and serve this growing population of patients.